Skill Game Protection Act Gets Another Supporter

Robert Wexler introduced the Skill Game Protection Act on June 7th of 2007. At that time the bill only had 1 sponsor, and now 3 months later it has reached 13. One of the newest supports is New York State Democrat, Eliot Engel.

He has joined a growing list of people who would like to see exemptions to the UIGEA extend to skill games. What is an example of a skill game? Chess, Poker, Backgammon and others that utilize both mental skill and strategy to achieve a successful game. Eliot Engel can also be counted among those who voted against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), last October.

The following are the current listed sponsors of HR 2610:

Rep. Gary Ackerman [D-NY]
Rep. Shelley Berkley [D-NV]
Rep. Michael Capuano [D-MA]
Rep. Steve Cohen [D-TN]
Rep. Eliot Engel [D-NY]
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL]
Rep. John Larson [D-CT]
Rep. James Moran [D-VA]
Rep. Timothy Ryan [D-OH]
Rep. Linda Sánchez [D-CA]
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]
Rep. Edolphus Towns [D-NY]
Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY]

A long way from 218 needed votes, but with an average new sponsorship of 4 a month it is not without promise.